If you stay at the Luxor hotel you'll always easily be able to find your way back to it no matter how directionally-challenged you are. Not only is its distinctive pyramid shape one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas, all you have to do is look for the world’s strongest light beam shooting up into the sky from the top. It's so bright that on a clear night, it's visible up to 275 miles away by airplanes at cruising altitude.When the Luxor opened in 1993, it proudly touted an Egyptian theme with things like a Nile River ride and a replica of King Tut's tomb. Today, you'll still see replicas of Cleopatra's Needle and the giant sphinx outside, but Luxor has traded most of its Egyptian roots for a hipper, more high-energy vibe.Luxor is one of the most unique places to stay in Las Vegas. There are 4,400 rooms and suites housed inside the pyramid and two 22-story towers. If you're staying in the pyramid, check out the Luxor's version of a thrill ride. You'll have to reach your room by "inclinator," an elevator that travels along the inner surface of the pyramid at a 39-degree angle. We're willing to bet you’ve never had an elevator ride like this before.There are plenty of ways to get your party on at Luxor. Start out at Flight, a bar with cocktails, beers and inexpensive shots. It's a great pre-game before clubbing at LAX, a two-story nightspot for the hip-hop and Top 40 crowd. If you want something a little more laid back, the lobby bar, Aurora, is open 24 hours and serves contemporary cocktails. Just look for the cool lighting effects on the ceiling that mimic the Northern Lights.Luxor has dining options that will satisfy just about every taste. T&T (Tacos & Tequila) features a combination of traditional and modern Mexican cuisine and a rock 'n' roll atmosphere. Our advice: stop in on Sundays for the Mariachi Brunch and kick that hangover with specially priced margaritas and bloody Marias. Those with gourmet tastes will enjoy a good steak or fresh seafood at Tender. On the go or traveling with kids who are picky? There’s also a food court with fast food favorites.There's enough entertainment and attractions at Luxor to keep everyone happy. Guys will love the sexy ladies of "Fantasy" and hilarious prop comedian Carrot Top cracks everyone up. Magic lovers will be mystified by "Criss Angel's MINDFREAK LIVE!" Cirque du Soleil joined forces with the "Mindfreak" magician to create this show filled with illusions.Guests of all ages will want to explore Luxor's two museum-quality exhibits. "BODIES...The Exhibition" illustrates the inner workings of the human body by showcasing real bodies and organs. Sounds like it could be a bit gruesome, but it's actually really fascinating. "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" tells the story of the doomed ship through a display of authentic artifacts and some eerie re-creations of the Grand Staircase, the Promenade Deck and a first-class cabin. Plus there is a 15-ton piece of the ship's hull (the largest piece ever raised from the wreck) on display. Guests at Luxor can also easily take advantage of amenities at either Mandalay Bay or Excalibur next door. Mandalay Bay and Luxor are connected by The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, which houses unique shops and restaurants. A free tram also provides easy access between all three hotels.There are dozens of ways to stay busy at Luxor but maybe your vacation is all about relaxing. They've totally got that covered too. Four large pools, a whirlpool and 12 private cabanas make up the Luxor's five-acre pool area. There's also a spa where you can be pampered with an array of treatments.

The novelty of staying in a pyramid wore off rather quickly as soon as I entered the room. It just didn't seem very clean...and the thin, worn sheets proved that. The bathroom was much to be desired. The shower backed up and random hair came floating up from the drain. The shower head did not have a spray nozzle, so the water sprayed everywhere, and the towels were very worn down. The only amenities available in the room were a hair dryer and an iron that did not work. It would have been nice to have a coffee pot in the room, as well as wi-fi.The pool is a joke. There is very little shade and it is chair upon chair on the dirty, sticky pool deck. The name of the pool should be Mirage rather than Oasis because there was nothing refreshing about it.If staying at the Luxor, be sure to take extra cash for all the taxi rides you'll need to take since it is on the southern end of the Strip.

If you stay at the Luxor hotel you'll always easily be able to find your way back to it no matter how directionally-challenged you are. Not only is its distinctive pyramid shape one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas, all you have to do is look for the world’s strongest light beam shooting up into the sky from the top. It's so bright that on a clear night, it's visible up to 275 miles away by airplanes at cruising altitude.When the Luxor opened in 1993, it proudly touted an Egyptian theme with things like a Nile River ride and a replica of King Tut's tomb. Today, you'll still see replicas of Cleopatra's Needle and the giant sphinx outside, but Luxor has traded most of its Egyptian roots for a hipper, more high-energy vibe.Luxor is one of the most unique places to stay in Las Vegas. There are 4,400 rooms and suites housed inside the pyramid and two 22-story towers. If you're staying in the pyramid, check out the Luxor's version of a thrill ride. You'll have to reach your room by "inclinator," an elevator that travels along the inner surface of the pyramid at a 39-degree angle. We're willing to bet you’ve never had an elevator ride like this before.There are plenty of ways to get your party on at Luxor. Start out at Flight, a bar with cocktails, beers and inexpensive shots. It's a great pre-game before clubbing at LAX, a two-story nightspot for the hip-hop and Top 40 crowd. If you want something a little more laid back, the lobby bar, Aurora, is open 24 hours and serves contemporary cocktails. Just look for the cool lighting effects on the ceiling that mimic the Northern Lights.Luxor has dining options that will satisfy just about every taste. T&T (Tacos & Tequila) features a combination of traditional and modern Mexican cuisine and a rock 'n' roll atmosphere. Our advice: stop in on Sundays for the Mariachi Brunch and kick that hangover with specially priced margaritas and bloody Marias. Those with gourmet tastes will enjoy a good steak or fresh seafood at Tender. On the go or traveling with kids who are picky? There’s also a food court with fast food favorites.There's enough entertainment and attractions at Luxor to keep everyone happy. Guys will love the sexy ladies of "Fantasy" and hilarious prop comedian Carrot Top cracks everyone up. Magic lovers will be mystified by "Criss Angel's MINDFREAK LIVE!" Cirque du Soleil joined forces with the "Mindfreak" magician to create this show filled with illusions.Guests of all ages will want to explore Luxor's two museum-quality exhibits. "BODIES...The Exhibition" illustrates the inner workings of the human body by showcasing real bodies and organs. Sounds like it could be a bit gruesome, but it's actually really fascinating. "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" tells the story of the doomed ship through a display of authentic artifacts and some eerie re-creations of the Grand Staircase, the Promenade Deck and a first-class cabin. Plus there is a 15-ton piece of the ship's hull (the largest piece ever raised from the wreck) on display. Guests at Luxor can also easily take advantage of amenities at either Mandalay Bay or Excalibur next door. Mandalay Bay and Luxor are connected by The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, which houses unique shops and restaurants. A free tram also provides easy access between all three hotels.There are dozens of ways to stay busy at Luxor but maybe your vacation is all about relaxing. They've totally got that covered too. Four large pools, a whirlpool and 12 private cabanas make up the Luxor's five-acre pool area. There's also a spa where you can be pampered with an array of treatments.

Is an early check in time available?

We originally had plans for Friday, but they fell through. We will be flying in early Saturday morning to Vegas, will we be able to check in early and if so, what time is the earliest and how much extra will it cost?

My friends arrived early and they checked in at 11:00 am without any additional fee.